Parkville Nature Sanctuary

In 1989, the developers of Riss Lake donated 49 acres of land at the base of the dam to the City of Parkville along with $25,000 seed money to develop it as a nature sanctuary. In 1992, former Parkville Nature Sanctuary director Jim Reed was asked to form a Parkville Nature Sanctuary Committee to develop and manage the property.

With help from a Missouri Department of Conservation naturalist, trails were laid out to make the area accessible with minimal impact to the land and wildlife habitats. Bridges were built across White Alloe Creek, a boardwalk was constructed over the swampy area, and erosion control devices were incorporated in the trails to minimize damage from human activities. With the help of many volunteers, Scout troops, and service groups the trails became a reality.

In 1997, the Missouri Department of Conservation purchased 68 acres adjacent to the Sanctuary and designated it as the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. This added a beautiful forested area and more than doubled the area managed by the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.  To take advantage of the new area, the “White Tail Trail” was developed in the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. Many Eagle Scout projects have since enhanced the accessibility of the White Tail Trail with improvements such as graveled paths, wood steps, and switchbacks.

Later the “Bluebird Trail” was cleared according to ADA standards to facilitate access for those with moderate restrictions on their mobility.

The old Girl Scout Cabin location was preserved and restored as a gathering area and in 1999 was fitted with a shelter roof. Still boasting its original brick fireplace, it has become a favorite location for many gatherings, including the enormously popular Halloween “Ghost Stories.”

No, our management plan is developed for a wildlife sanctuary, not a city park. It is for wildlife and passive recreation to view wildlife. One of the top prospects for our hikers is the opportunity to see deer, turkey and other animals in a quiet and reflective setting. Dogs, especially barking and running ones, disturb wildlife and other hikers.

We do not allow any domesticated animals on our trails as they are not native to the ecosystem area. Scents that domesticated animals leave prevent wildlife from being comfortable in their own home. Even when people do clean up after their animals, the scents that animals leave behind affect wildlife. We try to maintain a delicate system with human visitors, which is why we do not allow visitors after dark or before sunrise. Ultimately, any and all domesticated wildlife fundamentally alters the sanctuary.

There are miles of well-maintained trails less than a mile away from the Nature Sanctuary that include the riverfront trail system from Riverside to Platte Landing Park, all of which are accessible to those with all abilities. The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is a smaller nature sanctuary that does allow domestic animals. A bit further away is the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Reserve, info on that can be found here, https://www.platteparks.com/park/green-hills-of-platte-wildlife-preserve/.

Lakeside Nature Center: 816-513-8960 | https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/

Lakeside Nature Center can not accept any animals found out of state. Our partners at Operation Wildlife can assist with animals found in Kansas.

If you find an injured or potentially orphaned native Missouri bird, please contact the Lakeside Nature Center at (816) 513-8960.
Please leave a detailed message and someone will return your call as soon as possible. The wildlife hospital is open daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm. Volunteers on night call duty will return calls between 5 – 9 pm.

When to Report Sick or Dead Wildlife

Only dogs are classified as service animals and they must perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary does have a trail which is accommodating to those with all abilities, called the Blue Bird Trail. It is not a loop trail but it is beautiful!

See https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm for more information.

If we see someone on the trail claiming to have a service animal, staff has the right to ask the following:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? And,
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Old Kate Trail is 0.9 miles long and is the most popular loop trail circles a forested stream valley. It proceeds to the waterfalls, the Riss Lake Dam, the boardwalk and the “Girl Scout Cabin” pavilion. Hiking time: 30 Minutes. Difficulty: Mild to Moderate.

White Tail Trail at 1.5 miles long. It proceeds up the hill to the highest point in the Nature Sanctuary and then back down the hill where it connects with the Old Kate Trail. Hiking time: 50 minutes to 1 hour. Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (hilly and rocky in places).

Bluebird Trail at 0.3 miles long and has an ADA accessible trail spur. It proceeds north along White Alloe Creek from the road by the soccer field to the prairie and back. Hiking time: 10 Minutes. Difficulty: Mild.

Butterfly Pass is 0.1 miles and Paw Paw Path is 0.2 miles.

Songbirds, deer, other small mammals, frogs, turtles, snakes, colorful insects and many species of butterfly.

It is unlikely you will encounter coyotes or bobcats, however, this is habitat that supports these animals. Please always stay on the trails and be aware of your surroundings.

Report Wildlife Sightings Here

Yes, water is available at the restroom.

A restroom is located at the south end of the 12^th Street parking lot, courtesy of Park University.

Due to the natural hilly terrain, access by wheelchair is limited to the Bluebird Trail which travels 0.3 miles along the scenic edge of White Alloe Creek.

For a simple event, like a birthday party or small meeting, the cabin may be reserved for a fee. There is no parking or vehicular access to the pavilion. You must carry in and carry out anything you need. For more information, see Girl Scout Cabin Reservation Form. For an event that is more involved or charges a fee to participants, additional regulations apply. For more information on special events, visit the Guidelines for Events in Parkville.

No, camping is not allowed.

Yes, however parking is limited. It is recommended that you first contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.

Yes, school groups or youth groups may visit without reservations. It is recommended that you first contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.

No, guided tours are not available because of limited staff.

No, weddings are not permitted in the Nature Sanctuary per the Guidelines for Events in Parkville.

Yes, poison ivy is found in all wooded areas of Missouri. Stay on the trails and wear jeans, shoes and socks when hiking. Avoid contact with low shrubs or ‘hairy’ vines with three leaves.

Keep an eye out on the main page, our Facebook page, or contact Nature Sanctuary Director Kristen Bontrager.